Caramelized Zucchini Pasta is a delightful and savory dish that adds a rich twist to your traditional pasta. This yummy recipe transforms fresh zucchini into a caramelized, golden-brown topping that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta, creating a deliciously satisfying meal for any occasion.
To create this delightful dish, simply sauté zucchini until it caramelizes, then toss it with pasta and a little bit of garlic and parmesan for a delicious combination. The result is a flavorful and beautiful meal that’s sure to be loved by everyone.
Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a cozy night in, Caramelized Zucchini Pasta is easy to make and offers a unique flavor. Each bite has a blend of sweet and savory goodness of caramelized zucchini. Taste the deliciousness of Caramelized Zucchini Pasta and bring a new touch of flavor to your recipe book.
Caramelized Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1½ cups Caesar-style seasoned croutons,
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- â…“ cup grated parmesan, divided
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper, more to taste
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fine salt, as needed
- 2 medium shallots peeled and thinly sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 large zucchini
- 1 lb spaghetti or long pasta of choice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups crushed Caesar-style croutons with half the parmesan, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then set aside.
- Cook 1 pound of spaghetti or other long pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package instructions for al dente.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 3 large zucchini (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds), 2 medium shallots (thinly sliced), and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Cook, stirring often, until zucchini is softened and browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, cooking until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Return pasta to the pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 cup pasta water and 2 ounces cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Mix in the caramelized vegetables and the remaining parmesan.
- Toss to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and additional crushed red pepper to taste.
- Add most of the fresh basil leaves, reserving some for garnish.
- If needed, add more pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve topped with crouton breadcrumbs and reserved basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 73 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Vitamin C | 23 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Calcium | 141 mg |
Does Zucchini Pasta Taste Like Traditional Pasta?
Zucchini noodles don’t have the exact same flavor as regular pasta, but if cooked properly to an al dente texture, they offer a surprisingly satisfying alternative.
Is Zucchini Pasta A Healthy Option?
Zucchini is low in fat, sugar, and calories while being rich in vitamin C and fiber. This makes it a nutritious substitute for traditional pasta noodles.
What Flavor Does Zucchini Have?
Zucchini has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and takes on the taste of the ingredients it’s cooked with. Its pale flesh, skin, and seeds are all edible and nutrient-rich.